Children's Classes

Children’s Curriculum: Discovering God's Way

  • 6 mos to 24 mos
  • 2 yrs to 3 yrs
  • 4 yrs to 5 yrs
  • Kindergarten-2nd grade
  • 3th-4th grade
  • 5th-6th grade
 
The goal for each of our children’s classes is to help young students develop a solid overview of God and the Bible so that as they mature, they are able to make everyday applications of God’s commandments. Each age group meets in a different classroom, all studying at an age-appropriate level.  
 
The Discovering God's Way curriculum is designed around the idea that the key to understanding what God's word says to us is reading His word. Many of the books use only limited retelling of the account at hand, instead pointing students to the Bible and asking questions that will facilitate comprehension of what the text actually says, and thereby a realization of what God's way really is for them. It introduces children to hundreds of stories that teach them about the kind of people God wants His family to be. Memorable characters and events from the Bible illustrate these powerful moral lessons and fix them in young minds. Children hear how the coming of Jesus was the fulfillment of God’s plan and the demonstration of God’s desire for adopting many sons and daughters. They discover that the Bible story is our story, God’s plan for us and for our family to be a part of His family, and for His book to be our spiritual heritage, the story of our roots and destiny.
 
» Text-centered Bible learning…
…is the strength of the Dicovering God's Way curriculum.  Our students are not “babysat” with little more than crafts, games, or movies to occupy their time. Although such activities are fine in the right setting, our Bible classes are just that–Bible classes. They are crafted to help families raise children who really know the Bible.
 
» Contemporary teaching methods…
…make Bible learning effective and interesting. Moral teaching is the most practical and valuable kind of education since we appeal to our moral training many times a day–at home, at school, at work, and at play. For this reason, by oversight of the elders, a number of our members contribute to our Bible class curriculum in various ways: developing and refining lesson plans, sharing current teaching methods, obtaining needed resources and equipment, and, of course, functioning in the classroom as instructors.  We believe that teaching the world’s greatest book deserves the most effective tools, methods, and enthusiasm.
 
» Learning can begin…
…as soon as a child sits up on his or her own.  Even one and two-year-olds begin learning a vocabulary that includes the names of God, Jesus, and the books of the Bible. Songs of worship or instruction become familiar through weekly repetition.  Basic Bible stories told with objects and characters that are friendly for little hands and eyes build early listening skills and a positive introduction to lessons for a lifetime. Infants and toddlers taught by experienced and caring teachers form warm impressions about Bible class that will fuel their interest in worship and Bible learning as they mature.
 
» Positive encouragement…
…is the rule in the classroom so that all students–whether new or old to the program–are praised for what they know and are learning, not embarrassed or singled out for what they have not yet learned.
  • Interactive lessons engage brief attention spans and boundless energy.
  • Repetition aids in the retention of important facts and practical lessons.
  • Brief assignments include Bible readings and exercises that involve parents in the children’s spiritual education and reinforce the learning that takes place in the classroom.
 
 
» Positive peer influence…
…reinforces moral teaching. Families who are active in the Discovering God's Way program establish lasting and valuable friendships with other families who care about spirituality and safe moral boundaries. Both the parents and the children build a circle of peers who are a positive influence and who commend rather than demean godly behavior. We believe that involving ourselves in a community of people with common priorities and values will provide the best environment for raising spiritual families in today’s world.
 
» Our ongoing mission…
…is to continue improving our Bible class curriculum. It is a work in progress. Of course, the Bible, which is the core of our curriculum, needs no improvement, but we are constantly seeking ways to improve our methods for teaching it effectively. We believe the greatest of all stories deserves the best possible delivery.
 
 
» As our children grow…
…they will choose how they apply the lessons they have learned. However, we believe that the Discovering God's Way curriculum is a great tool for equipping and motivating them from an early age to make wise life choices. Obviously, we can’t live their lives for them, but we can work to give them the best start in life possible by teaching God’s great book, the Bible. We hope you’ll join us on the journey!
 
For more information, please feel free to contact us at info@southfayettechurch.org or 770-461-9174.